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Mixed-use building complex in Grenoble, France
Located at Place Nelson Mandela, this pioneering mixed-use project brings together sports facilities, offices, a hotel, urban spa and swimming pool, indoor and outdoor restaurants, as well as co-living and R&D co-working spaces across multiple floors. The distinctive elliptical façade, shaped by the urban context and competition brief, adds architectural complexity to a challenging site adjacent to railway tracks and train and tram stations. The future building offers breathtaking views of the Alpine peaks and the open landscape of Grenoble’s Presqu’île.
© HARDEL LE BIHAN ARCHITECTES
Challenge
The objective of the project was to ensure a high level of comfort and performance in a complex mixed-use building located in an exceptionally
constrained urban environment.
The site is directly surrounded by railway and tramway infrastructure, exposing the structure to significant low-frequency vibrations. These environmental conditions posed a major challenge for the client, as strict performance criteria had to be met to guarantee user comfort across hotel, office, wellness and residential functions. In particular, the project required the control of low-frequency structural behavior, with a target limit of ≤ 2.4 Hz. Achieving this performance level within such a dense and vibration-sensitive context demanded advanced engineering analysis and carefully optimized design solutions.
In a seismic zone, this was a clear, challenging requirement for the project: GERB had to integrate additional measures for structural resilience
and isolation to ensure safety and performance.
Solution
To meet the stringent vibration performance requirements, the building is designed as a concrete structure supported by a base isolation system.
The solution is based on 121 SU-48 spring elements, specifically engineered to mitigate vibrations induced by passing trains. With a total design load of 9,500 tonnes, the isolation system is tuned to a base isolation frequency of 2.4 Hz, effectively limiting the transmission of low-frequency vibrations into the superstructure. This approach ensures a high level of comfort for all building functions despite the direct proximity to railway infrastructure. Completion of the project is planned for 2026.
Technical Facts:
Structure: Concrete
Base isolation frequency: 2,4 Hz
Design load: 9.500 t
Soluion: SU-48 Spring elements
Result
The successful implementation of the vibration isolation system was driven by close collaboration and a high level of technical expertise.
GERB proved to be the ideal partner for this project thanks to its proximity to the client, constant attentiveness throughout all project phases, and strict adherence to the demanding construction schedule. Particular emphasis was placed on supporting both site and management teams by raising awareness of the specific requirements of vibration isolation and ensuring the correct installation of the spring elements.
What makes this project truly unique are the exceptionally high performance requirements in terms of vibration isolation efficiency. Meeting these targets in such a challenging environment underscores the importance of precise implementation and confirms the value of GERB’s experience and know-how.
© HARDEL LE BIHAN ARCHITECTES
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Further Resources
You need further information on this topic?
Please do not hesitate to contact us with your individual question.
One of our project engineers will get back to you shortly.
Mixed-use building complex in Grenoble, France
Located at Place Nelson Mandela, this pioneering mixed-use project brings together sports facilities, offices, a hotel, urban spa and swimming pool, indoor and outdoor restaurants, as well as co-living and R&D co-working spaces across multiple floors. The distinctive elliptical façade, shaped by the urban context and competition brief, adds architectural complexity to a challenging site adjacent to railway tracks and train and tram stations. The future building offers breathtaking views of the Alpine peaks and the open landscape of Grenoble’s Presqu’île.
Mixed-use building complex in Grenoble, France
Located at Place Nelson Mandela, this pioneering mixed-use project brings together sports facilities, offices, a hotel, urban spa and swimming pool, indoor and outdoor restaurants, as well as co-living and R&D co-working spaces across multiple floors. The distinctive elliptical façade, shaped by the urban context and competition brief, adds architectural complexity to a challenging site adjacent to railway tracks and train and tram stations. The future building offers breathtaking views of the Alpine peaks and the open landscape of Grenoble’s Presqu’île.
© HARDEL LE BIHAN ARCHITECTES
Challenge
The objective of the project was to ensure a high level of comfort and performance in a complex mixed-use building located in an exceptionally constrained urban environment.
The site is directly surrounded by railway and tramway infrastructure, exposing the structure to significant low-frequency vibrations. These environmental conditions posed a major challenge for the client, as strict performance criteria had to be met to guarantee user comfort across hotel, office, wellness and residential functions. In particular, the project required the control of low-frequency structural behavior, with a target limit of ≤ 2.4 Hz. Achieving this performance level within such a dense and vibration-sensitive context demanded advanced engineering analysis and carefully optimized design solutions.
In a seismic zone, this was a clear, challenging requirement for the project: GERB had to integrate additional measures for structural resilience
and isolation to ensure safety and performance.
Solution
To meet the stringent vibration performance requirements, the building is designed as a concrete structure supported by a base isolation system.
The solution is based on 121 SU-48 spring elements, specifically engineered to mitigate vibrations induced by passing trains. With a total design load of 9,500 tonnes, the isolation system is tuned to a base isolation frequency of 2.4 Hz, effectively limiting the transmission of low-frequency vibrations into the superstructure. This approach ensures a high level of comfort for all building functions despite the direct proximity to railway infrastructure. Completion of the project is planned for 2026.
Technical Facts:
Structure: Concrete
Base isolation frequency: 2,4 Hz
Design load: 9.500 t
Soluion: SU-48 Spring elements
Challenge
The objective of the project was to ensure a high level of comfort and performance in a complex mixed-use building located in an exceptionally
constrained urban environment.
The site is directly surrounded by railway and tramway infrastructure, exposing the structure to significant low-frequency vibrations. These environmental conditions posed a major challenge for the client, as strict performance criteria had to be met to guarantee user comfort across hotel, office, wellness and residential functions. In particular, the project required the control of low-frequency structural behavior, with a target limit of ≤ 2.4 Hz. Achieving this performance level within such a dense and vibration-sensitive context demanded advanced engineering analysis and carefully optimized design solutions.
In a seismic zone, this was a clear, challenging requirement for the project: GERB had to integrate additional measures for structural resilience
and isolation to ensure safety and performance.
Solution
To meet the stringent vibration performance requirements, the building is designed as a concrete structure supported by a base isolation system.
The solution is based on 121 SU-48 spring elements, specifically engineered to mitigate vibrations induced by passing trains. With a total design load of 9,500 tonnes, the isolation system is tuned to a base isolation frequency of 2.4 Hz, effectively limiting the transmission of low-frequency vibrations into the superstructure. This approach ensures a high level of comfort for all building functions despite the direct proximity to railway infrastructure. Completion of the project is planned for 2026.
Spring solution: The three housing buildings are decoupled with steel spring elements mounted under the first floor. Non-prestressable KL spring elements with Sordino damping were used. The spring elements are able to transmit high vertical and horizontal forces at the same time, while also providing high levels of vibration isolation.
Technical Facts:
Structure: Concrete
Base isolation frequency: 2,4 Hz
Design load: 9.500 t
Soluion: SU-48 Spring elements
Result
The successful implementation of the vibration isolation system was driven by close collaboration and a high level of technical expertise.
GERB proved to be the ideal partner for this project thanks to its proximity to the client, constant attentiveness throughout all project phases, and strict adherence to the demanding construction schedule. Particular emphasis was placed on supporting both site and management teams by raising awareness of the specific requirements of vibration isolation and ensuring the correct installation of the spring elements.
What makes this project truly unique are the exceptionally high performance requirements in terms of vibration isolation efficiency. Meeting these targets in such a challenging environment underscores the importance of precise implementation and confirms the value of GERB’s experience and know-how.
© HARDEL LE BIHAN ARCHITECTES
Result
The successful implementation of the vibration isolation system was driven by close collaboration and a high level of technical expertise.
GERB proved to be the ideal partner for this project thanks to its proximity to the client, constant attentiveness throughout all project phases, and strict adherence to the demanding construction schedule. Particular emphasis was placed on supporting both site and management teams by raising awareness of the specific requirements of vibration isolation and ensuring the correct installation of the spring elements.
What makes this project truly unique are the exceptionally high performance requirements in terms of vibration isolation efficiency. Meeting these targets in such a challenging environment underscores the importance of precise implementation and confirms the value of GERB’s experience and know-how.
© HARDEL LE BIHAN ARCHITECTES
Share this post
Share this post
Further Resources
You need further information on this topic?
Please do not hesitate to contact us with your individual question.
One of our project engineers will get back to you shortly.
Further Resources
You need further information on this topic?
Please do not hesitate to contact us with your individual question.
One of our project engineers will get back to you shortly.